If you’re planning a move to Mexico and you want to ship your car there, it doesn’t have to be a hair-pulling endeavor. There are some simple steps that anyone can follow that make the process easier. Car transportation companies specialize in picking up, loading (and securing in a container), insuring, delivering and handling all customs and border crossing requirements to ensure that your car arrives at your destination in Mexico safely and on time.

Find a car transport company that has extensive experience shipping to Mexico and understands the border crossing process. Shipping companies like Strom-White Moving offer vehicle moving services and they are well-versed in Mexican customs issues and procedures. You can also go to Auto Car Shippers, a U.S.-based shipping company to find other auto transportation companies. On this site, there is an option to request quotes for shipping prices.

Get price quotes so you can compare. Shipping a car could cost from $750-$4,600 depending on make, model and insurance according to the website Cost Helper. Once you have agreed to the quoted price, establish a delivery date and time for the car’s arrival in Mexico.

Ensure that your registration or title and insurance are current and available. Mexican customs can be very strict about confirming ownership of the vehicle, and there are rules about how long the vehicle can stay in Mexico if it is registered and insured in the United States or Canada.

Decide on what pick-up and delivery option is best for you. You can have the car shipper pick up your car from your home (which is more expensive) and delivered right to your new location in Mexico. However, the most cost-effective way to transport your car to Mexico would be to get it as close to the border as possible (either driving yourself or using a domestic car mover) and using a Mexican mover that is licensed and insured to pick up the vehicle at the border.

Prepare your car for shipment by taking it to your mechanic for any scheduled or necessary maintenance. All hazardous items must be removed, the tires should be inflated to their proper levels and all fluids should be at their required levels. Any roof racks or antennas should be removed and any car alarms should be disabled as well.

Complete any paperwork/contracts for the shipment of the car. You should make sure to get a copy of the inspection report and the bill of lading for your records. If anything should go wrong it will help in any action that you may take with the car shipper.

Inspect your car for damage once it arrives at your destination in Mexico. If any damage is found, report it to your insurance company as soon as possible and make sure you have all of the shipping and inspection records available for reference.

About the Author

Chris Obudho has been a public communications specialist since 1998, writing for public and private advocacy campaigns. Obudho has written and edited for America’s Nutrition, Internet Brands and Lowe’s. Obudho attends Mercer College and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.